Traditional Chinese Medicine Tips to Stay Healthy This Fall
As we transition from the maximum yang energy of summer to the ultimate yin energy of winter, self-care becomes especially important. This shift, marked by the fall equinox on September 22nd, causes our outward energy to contract and turn inward, preparing us for the approaching winter. The seasonal change often brings a noticeable impact on our well-being as the energies shift.
While the long summer days were filled with socializing and outdoor activities, autumn invites us to seek quieter moments at home, allowing our body and mind to return to a state of restful calm.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), autumn is the season of the Metal element, associated with contraction, inward movement, and dryness. The Lungs and Large Intestine are the organs linked to this element.
The Lungs govern the skin, respiratory system, immunity, and the emotion of sadness. The cooler temperatures and dry winds of autumn can affect the Lungs, often leading to symptoms such as a scratchy throat, dry nose, chapped lips, dry cough, or dry stools. To protect the body from these external factors, focus on warming and strengthening your body during this season.
The Large Intestine is associated with letting go, both physically and mentally, which is particularly potent when dealing with grief or sadness. Just as trees let go of their leaves in autumn, ready for death and rebirth, we too can reflect on what is no longer needed in our lives and let go of what no longer serves our greater good. This can include significant aspects like a person, relationship, or job, or smaller things like a belief we hold about ourselves, certain emotions, or even de-cluttering our homes.
Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to stay healthy during this seasonal change:
Boost Your Immunity with Nutrient-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods high in vitamin C and zinc, such as citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, and mushrooms.
Eat More Cooked and Warming Foods: This helps prevent strain on your digestion and conserves energy to protect against illness. Opt for soups, porridge, and stews, and try to steam or cook your food at low temperatures for longer periods to support and nourish the yin.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise improves circulation and enhances the body's defenses against illness.
Incorporate Adaptogenic Herbs: Herbs like astragalus and reishi mushrooms can support immune health.
Practice Deep Breathing and Mindfulness: Deep breathing exercises and mindfulness meditation can strengthen lung function and relieve stress.
Stay Properly Hydrated: Drink warm water, herbal teas, and broths to maintain hydration while avoiding excessive cold or iced drinks. Adding honey to warm water before bed can ease a dry throat and assist with dry constipation.
Prioritize Adequate Rest and Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep to support your body's energy and immune function.
Consider Acupuncture: Book an acupuncture appointment to boost your immune system and support your body as it adjusts to the change of season.
Feel free to reach out if you would like to book an appointment or have questions about herbal or supplemental therapies to assist you during this season change.
Stay Healthy,
Dr. Kallie Harrison DACM, LAc, LMT, RN
Herbal Remedy for a Cold
In the very beginning stages of a cold, when you initially have that first thought ‘I might be coming down with a cold’ is the best time to try and treat and evade it.
Ingredients:
3 spring onions, white parts only, chopped roughly
2 slices ginger (approx. 20c piece size)
2 sprigs of mint
2 cups of water
Method
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Continue boiling until the liquid has halved (approx. 10-15 minutes). Discard the herbs, keeping the liquid. Drink as soon as it’s cool enough, get into bed or rug up on the couch to enhance sweating and help the body sweat the cold out. If you feel damp after sweating, get changed and dry and rest for the remainder of the day.
